Graduate Degree Programs
Monte Ahuja College of Business

Master of Business Administration

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Program Description

Gain a solid foundation in essential business principles, including accounting, finance, information systems, marketing and operations management. Specialize your skills with 13+ optional degree tracks to choose from, including business analytics, international business and leadership. With a strong emphasis on practical application, you will tackle real-world business challenges and prepare to advance your career in today's competitive global marketplace.

Visit the MBA program website for more information
Admissions Process

Admissions Process

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admissions Process

Applicants for the program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and College of Business.

Admission to the Master of Business Administration program is based on the following criteria:

  1. Applicants must meet all College of Graduate Studies admission requirements.
  2. Domestic Students: Admission is based on a combination of factors:
    1. Applicant’s final undergraduate GPA is 2.75 or higher.
    2. Applicant completed an undergraduate degree from an approved accredited institution according to Cleveland State University.
    3. Applicant holds a master’s degree or Ph.D. or MD degree from an approved accredited institution according to Cleveland State University.
    4. No GMAT/GRE is required for admission.
  3. An official transcript from each college and university previously attended must be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  4. International students: Admission requires completion of a test of English proficiency for admission unless they apply from an exempted country. Students may choose to complete the TOEFL exam with a total score of 78 or higher or the IELTS exam with a total score of 6 or higher for admission.
Link to Application Form

June 1 | November 1 | April 15

Program Director: Graduate Business Advising 

 Phone: 216-687-3730 

 Email: graduatebusprograms@csuohio.edu

Visit the MBA program website for more information

The Master of Business Administration degree is awarded based on successful completion of a minimum of thirty credit hours of core courses and electives. Preparation for taking these courses is achieved through completion or waiver of all ten credit hours of foundation course requirements. 

The Master of Business Administration degree includes courses from all of the departments of the Monte Ahuja College of Business as well as selected courses from departments and programs outside of the Monte Ahuja College of Business. Questions regarding the program or specific courses should be directed to MBA Student Services at mbastudentservices@csuohio.edu.

Core Courses

Elective Courses

Choose One Analytics Course:

Choose One International Business Course:

Specialization (Optional)

Within the MBA curriculum, specialization can be achieved by taking a minimum of three elective courses (no more than one at the 500 level) within any of the following business disciplines: Accounting, Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Human Resources/Labor Relations, Marketing, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.

Accounting - Taxation

Students with no current background in tax will take ACT 621, ACT 538, and ACT 562. Students with a background in tax seeking more in depth training will take ACT 636, ACT 637, and ACT 545.

No Current Background in Tax

Background in Tax

Finance - Investments

Students will take FIN 606, FIN 611, and one of the following (FIN 605, FIN 612, FIN 621, FIN 680, FIN 690).

One of the following:

Finance - Real Estate

Students will take FIN 610, FIN 612, and one of the following (FIN 605, FIN 606, FIN 621, FIN 680, FIN 690).

One of the following:

Digital Marketing

Students will take MKT 554, MKT 557, and either MKT 690 or MKT 696.

Marketing Analytics

Students will take MKT 556, MKT 604 or MKT 607, and  MKT 690 or  MKT 696.

Advertising and Services Marketing

Students will take MKT 552 or MKT 556, MKT 605 or MKT 606, and either  MKT 690 or  MKT 696. 

Economic Forecasting

Students will take ECN 622 and ECN 625, and may choose either ECN 541 or ECN 628.

Leadership and Motivation

Students will take MGT 577, MGT 605, and an elective.

Organizational Change

Students will take MGT 600, MGT 603, and MGT 605.

Labor Relations

Students will take MGT 522, MGT 531, and MGT 651.

General Business Discipline - Operations and Supply Chain Management

Students will take OSM 624 and two other OSM courses at the 500 or 600 level.

General Business Discipline - Information Systems

Students will select three courses from IST 502, IST 503, IST 504, IST 506 or IST 635.

Choose three courses:

General Business Discipline - Other Areas

Students may select three courses from a particular department within the College of Business to focus on a particular area of study. For example, a student may select three FIN courses from FIN 500 and FIN 600 level courses.

Business Analytics

Students will take BUS 575, BUS 600, BUS 601, and BUS 602 as electives.

Completion of the specialization will also make students eligible for conferral of the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics.

Governance, Compliance, and Risk

The student will take ACT 575, ACT 555, ACT 565, and one other approved ACT or IST course at the 600 level as an elective.

Completion of the specialization will also make students eligible for conferral of the Graduate Certificate in Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance.

Additional Requirements

  • A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in total work attempted while registered in the MBA program is required. College of Graduate Studies regulations regarding grades below B are applicable.
  • Core courses must be completed within six years prior to the proposed graduation date.
  • Courses (excluding MBA 660) could be waived for another 600 level course from the same department with permission of that department.


 

Career Opportunities

An MBA opens diverse career paths across industries. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Business Manager – Leading teams and overseeing operations to drive organizational growth.
  • Financial Manager / Corporate Finance Specialist – Developing financial policies, managing budgets, and guiding investment strategies.
  • Marketing Manager – Creating and executing marketing strategies to build brand awareness and increase market share.
  • Operations & Supply Chain Manager – Optimizing production, logistics, and global supply chains for efficiency and profitability.
  • Human Resources Manager – Managing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture.
  • Business Strategy Consultant – Advising companies on market positioning, competitive advantage, and long-term strategy.
  • Entrepreneur / Startup Founder – Launching and scaling new ventures using strong business fundamentals.
  • International Business Manager – Driving global expansion and managing cross-border operations and partnerships.

MBA graduates are in high demand, combining leadership, analytics, and strategic decision-making skills to excel in corporate, entrepreneurial, and global business environments.

Career Development and Exploration

Tuition and Financial Aid

Our institution is committed to making education accessible. We offer:

  • Scholarships – Merit-based and need-based options for eligible students.
  • Grants – Financial support that does not require repayment.
  • Work-Study Programs – Opportunities for students to earn while they learn.
  • Financial Aid Forms – Flexible repayment plans to suit different needs.

For detailed information on tuition fees and financial aid eligibility,contact our financial aid office.

Visit our Financial Aid Office
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Program Information arrow_right_alt

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Contact Information

Undergraduate Programs and Student Services
1860 E. 18th Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216-687-3729
businessadvising@csuohio.edu

MBA and Graduate Programs
1860 E. 18th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Phone: 216-687-3730
graduatebusprograms@csuohio.edu

Webmaster
business.marketing@csuohio.edu